Roth 401(k)s used to be fairly rare; now, they're starting to crop up by the bushelful. But while they may be the hot new investment, but the tax implications mean Roth 401(k)s aren't for everyone. To see if you'd benefit, ask yourself the following questions:
According to a GAO report, women have a tougher time saving for retirement than men do. But women of all ages can take some steps to improve their financial readiness.
As crazy as that magic $1 million mark may seem, it's actually possible to reach for nearly anyone with steady work and the discipline to consistently sock away a little bit every month. Here's how.
People retiring today are part of the first generation of workers who have paid more in Social Security taxes during their careers than they will receive in benefits after they retire. It's a historic shift that will only get worse for future retirees.
When it comes to retirement planning, women face a set of gender-specific financial challenges that require intensive effort to overcome. Here's a look at these obstacles, and what women can do to avoid getting tripped up by them.
When investors open their 401(k)statements this fall, they'll finally be able to see in detail how previously hidden fees have been chipping away at their retirement savings. That's a good start: Here's how to let that news shock you into action.
Saving for retirement using your company's 401(k) plan has perks that make most advisers recommend it unconditionally. But your 401(k) plan may be ripping you off in ways you don't even recognize.
As Gen-Xers hit middle age and start thinking more seriously about retirement planning, the warnings they're hearing about how far behind they are may make their situation sound more dire than it is.
Concerns about job security and piles of debt have left American workers more pessimistic about retirement than ever. And many should be concerned: About 60% report total savings and investments of under $25,000 (excluding the value of their home and defined benefit plans.)
Last year, the Social Security Administration warned that the program's trust fund was likely to run out of money in 2036, leading to deep cuts in benefits. Now, the Congressional Budget Office says that projection may have been too optimistic.
A few weeks ago, we asked DailyFinance readers for their best tips for putting your financial house in order. Many were quick to note that the foundation of financial security lies in being ready when disaster hits. Here are some of their best suggestions for planning for those rainy days.
$1 million is a lot of money, but assuming that should be your retirement funding goal can be dangerously simplistic. So before you spend the next few decades over- or under-saving, assess whether $1 million is enough -- or too much -- to fund your plans.
Many companies have done away with pensions, replacing them with 401(k) plans and related options that put responsibility for retirement saving squarely on you. But those same corporations have also been pushing to keep you in the dark about the plans' costs.
More ominous developments on the darkening retirement front: The total value of Americans' retirement assets stood at $17 trillion at the end of September -- a drop of 7.5% from the record high of $18.4 trillion recorded on June 30, 2011.
